Pain control
Give paracetamol as required for pain (available from pharmacies
without prescription).
Dressings
Leave dressings dry and intact until review. If a waterproof or
washable dressing has been applied you may shower as normal,
otherwise sponge bath only.
Activities
Quiet activities only as excessive movement prevents healing of
the graft and may cause wound breakdown. Keep the affected area
elevated as much as possible.
What to expect
The donor site will be red for weeks to months and will usually
not regain a totally normal appearance. It is advisable to massage
the area with sorbolene or moisturising creams when it becomes less
raw to improve the appearance.
Medical attention
Seek medical attention in the event of:
- Increasing pain or pain not relieved by medication
- Persistent fever
- General unwellness
- Wound discharge
Follow-up
Your follow-up appointment will be at one of the following:
- Plastic Surgery Outpatients (Registrar Clinic), Blue Desk,
Ground Floor, The Royal Children's Hospital (morning appointment)
- Consultant Clinic
- Consultant Private Rooms
- Local doctor
If you are unable to keep your appointment please call to
reschedule.
Contact
Plastic & Maxillofacial Surgery Office - 9345 5391
Outpatient appointments - 9345 6180
Plastic Surgery Resident or Registrar - via switchboard on 9345
5522
Developed by The Royal Children's Hospital Speech Pathology and Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery departments. We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers.
Reviewed November 2015.
Kids Health Info is supported by The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation. To donate, visit www.rchfoundation.org.au.